GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME - CASTELLDEFELS (BARCELONA)

The most fashionable word nowadays is "CRISIS". You would expect that now, requirement for hotels has reduced, but, despite what they say, you still find it difficult to get a hotel in certain places. Barcelona, when there is a convention, getting a place to sleep seems to be extremely expensive. Hotels increase prices to limits that no sane person would normally pay... but, if there is a convention or an exhibition, you will find it difficult.

That is why, sometimes it is worth it to look in the outskirts. This would mean, normally, that you need a car to get to your final destination relatively easy.

In this situation, we can find the Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime, a 4-star hotel in Castelldefels, in the outskirts of Barcelona (on the way to Sitges, 20 minutes from Barcelona and 10 minutes from El Prat airport). It is more economical than those you find in the city, but a car is essential, due to its location. It is far from the railway, far from the town, on top of the hill... far from... everywhere. Carpark is large and free of charge. The hotel was built in 1950, last reformed in 2008 and you would never think the hotel was nearly 60 years old. It looks really modern inside.

It is, however, a rather strange hotel. You access to it from the street level and, in my case, I had to go two floors down to my room. Rather strange... Don't you think?

The rooms are correct (220 all together). A big bed (and very comfy)with zillions of pillows is waiting for you. Ok, I exaggerated. 4 pillows only. Normally is quiet (there is nothing around that could be noisy... at the end of the day, you are on top of a hill, out in the countryside). Sleeping is easy. Still, if you want to use the TV, there are a few channels, but then you notice that they are pay TV... so, in the end, the choice is really reduced.

The bathroom is well equipped with soaps and other accessories. It is always good to get these things if you are coming just to stay overnight...

Breakfast is good... Could be better, as usual, but I think it is ok. Problem!!! The coffee comes out from a dispenser machine and it is really awful. Juices... so so. But there is plenty of food in the buffet to choose from. I am sure that you will not be hungry when you get out of it.

You should not miss the swimming pool either.

Staff are nice... when you get hold of them. Reception is open 24 hours but breakfast is very poorly served by staff.

Personally, I would opt for a different hotel in Barcelona, but as an emergency, and taking into consideration all these points, it is a nice place to stay... Don't expect a lively nightlife... There isn't any.

GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME

Avenida del Hotel,

22 08860 CASTELLDEFELS Barcelona (Spain)

Tel.: 936 651 300

Fax. 936 645 151

donjaime@grup-soteras.com

It is a SERCOTEL hotel.